The World Health Organization has reassured the public that the risk of a widespread hantavirus outbreak is "absolutely low." This statement comes after cases were reported among passengers on a cruise ship.

The World Health Organization on Friday reiterated that a hantavirus outbreak risk to the general public is "absolutely low". Three passengers from the MV Hondius have died while others have fallen sick with the rare disease, which usually spreads among rodents. The vessel has around 150 people on board and is expected to arrive in the Spanish Canary Island of Tenerife on Sunday.